Courtesy Framingham State Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. - Framingham State senior running back Dave Leach (Chelmsford, Mass.) was the recipient of the Division II/III Gold Helmet Award today at the New England Football Writers' Luncheon, hosted at Harvard's Dillon Field House.  The award is presented weekly by the New England Football Writers and the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston.

Leach is just the fourth Framingham State football player to receive the honor. The last Ram to receive the Gold Helmet was quarterback Bruce Rich in September of 2008.

Leach rushed for a career-high 270 yards and four touchdowns in Framingham State's conference-opening 40-37 win over Fitchburg State. Leach carried the ball a school-record 43 times. He also tied school records for touchdowns, with four, and points in a single game, with 24. Leach added 25 yards on two receptions and 47 yards on two kickoff returns. Overall, he compiled 342 total yards on the day.  After his performance, he was selected as one of three New England Football Conference (NEFC) Offensive Players of the Week. Leach was the co-winner of the Calder Award, which is presented to the Most Valuable Player of the Rams' Homecoming game. 

Leach, who last season became the first Framingham State football player to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season, is currently ranked third in the nation in rushing, averaging 152 yards per game and 5.38 yards per carry.